At least one Ross Township supervisor feels that the old municipal building should be replaced, but not necessarily because of the shootings that occurred there last year.

Supervisor Russell "Butch" Kresge said he supports a new building, not only out of respect for those affected by the Aug. 5, 2013, shooting that left three dead, but because the building has serious issues that could cost the township in the long run.

In the wake of the shooting, the township applied for nearly $770,000 in state grants to construct a new building next door to the one on Anchorage Road. Last month, that application was approved — albeit for just $369,000.

Now, even though the township has resumed meeting at the old building, the debate on whether to build a new one has been rekindled.

"When we applied for this grant, I know that we didn't discuss remodeling this building," Kresge said.

Kresge said the building has long-term deficiencies that have to be addressed. He said it has water and septic system issues. A new building would be hooked up to public water and have a new septic system.

"We still have a questionable septic system and bad water here," Kresge said.

He said the foundation in the building is also failing and would be unable to accommodate a fireproof vault for paper files.

"I think if an architect looked at remodeling this building, we would have to put a new foundation in," he said.

Kresge says he believes the project can be done with the available grant money without impacting taxpayers.

Chairman Howard Beers says it cannot.

"I think for renovations, that money is adequate," Beers said. "If you want to build a new building, it's not."

Beers has been steadfast in his position that he does not favor a new building. He said the approved grant amount — $369,000 — is not enough to cover a new building.

He disputed Kresge's statements about the building.

"I feel we could build a vault to put the records in here," he said. "We have a concrete floor, but whatever."

He said he's been assured by state Rep. Rosemary Brown that the grant can be reapplied to a full renovation project for the building; it is only 20 years old. In addition to the meeting room and offices, it also contains a five-bay garage used by the township road crew.

With Kresge and Beers split, the decision falls to Supervisor Tina Drake by default. Drake said Monday she needs more time. The board agreed to schedule a meeting with an architect and officials from the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corp., who helped them author the grant application.

The board has to make a decision by June 1, when the state needs an updated budget to move forward with the grant.

"I think we need to talk more about this," Drake said. "We need numbers on what it will cost to renovate the building."